What is Bakuchiol?
According to Nazarian, some of the substances from the plant are already used to treat conditions like vitiligo, but using bakuchiol from the plant is a rather recent practice.
In a 2019 study, no difference was found between retinol and bakuchiol in treating wrinkles and hyperpigmentation.2 The retinol users, though, did experience more skin dryness and stinging. “Other studies have also reported improvement in lines/wrinkles, pigmentation, elasticity, and firmness with bakuchiol,” Chwalek adds.
Benefits of Bakuchiol for Skin
Sounds good, right? Well, as previously mentioned, bakuchiol is not only as effective as retinol at targeting fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone; it’s also less irritating. “Much like a retinol, bakuchiol triggers the genetic pathway in skin cells to create several types of collagen that are useful in skin health and anti-aging,” says Nazarian. However, it doesn’t cause stubborn dryness or irritation. Plus, unlike retinol, which can make the skin more sensitive to the sun (always make sure to wear SPF during the day), bakuchiol may actually help to make skin less sensitive to the sun’s harmful rays.
According to the previously mentioned study in The British Journal of Dermatology, after 12 weeks, individuals treated with bakuchiol saw major improvements in wrinkles, pigmentation, elasticity, and photodamage overall.2 Thomas adds that, in addition to its anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties, bakuchiol also enhances anti-acne properties.
Evens skin tone:
Bakuchiol deeply penetrates the skin to help lessen the appearance of dark spots or areas of hyperpigmentation.
Reduces the appearance of fine lines:
Like retinol, bakuchiol tells your cells to regenerate and make collagen, “plumping” your skin and reducing the look of lines and wrinkles.
Doesn’t cause dryness or irritation:
While retinol and other skincare ingredients may dry out skin or cause irritation, bakuchiol is more gentle and isn’t known to cause any irritation.2
Speeds up skin cell regeneration:
Bakuchiol sends signals to your cells that it’s time to amp up collagen production and cell turnover.
Suitable for all skin types:
Being gentle on skin, most anyone can use bakuchiol.
Helps soothe and heal skin:
By promoting cell turnover and healthy cell regeneration, bakuchiol may help soothe and heal your skin from the inside out.
Side Effects of Bakuchiol
Thomas says that there are currently “no known studies that reflect any unwanted or negative side effects.” While Nazarian concurs, she adds that it’s still a relatively new product.
“Because it is not retinol, it has the potential to be safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding,” she says. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so she recommends waiting for more studies
to come out to ensure bakuchiol’s safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding.
FAQ
Why would you use bakuchiol as an alternative to retinol?
Like retinol, bakuchiol helps prevent fine lines and wrinkles while also improving skin firmness and elasticity.3 Unlike retinol, however, bakuchiol is natural and vegan.
Is bakuchiol as effective as retinol?
Not only is it less irritating than retinol, bakuchiol has also been found to be as effective as retinol.2 It’s a great solution for those with sensitive skin or as an entry-level product.
How should you apply bakuchiol to skin?
With a serum consistency, bakuchiol should be applied to cleansed skin before moisturizer (since it’s thinner than moisturizer) and should be safe to apply up to twice daily.
Post time: May-20-2022